Business

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Orpheum's board seeks proposals for building new museum

CHAMPAIGN – The people who run the Orpheum Children's Science Museum think it might be better off in different quarters than the historic 95-year-old Orpheum Theatre building in downtown Champaign.

So they've put out a request for proposals asking local developers if they would be interested in building a new, larger children's museum, and for their ideas about a potential reuse of the theater building.

Metropolitan building's insurer delaying neighbor's demolition

CHAMPAIGN – Hopes that demolition could begin soon on a fire-damaged building downtown appear to have been dashed this week.

Lawmakers, energy nominee discuss FutureGen

WASHINGTON – Illinois lawmakers say they're feeling hopeful about the prospect of building FutureGen in Mattoon after a meeting Wednesday morning with President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for energy secretary.

News-Gazette uses Twitter to send alerts

CHAMPAIGN – Along with faithful publication of the daily newspaper, The News-Gazette is taking new approaches to how it publishes news.

Many of them involve the Internet. The paper can send news alerts to cell phones using Twitter, and it plans to improve interactivity with a Web site redesign coming later this year.

Foreclosure counseling available on Saturday 'helpline'

CHAMPAIGN – People with questions about home foreclosures can get them answered for free on Saturday, thanks to a "foreclosure helpline" sponsored by Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund.

Volunteer real estate attorneys will offer legal counsel to anyone calling 1-800-252-0402 from 9 a.m. to noon that day.

Sparse crowd shows up at meeting over proposed salvage yard

DANVILLE – Bryant Industries on Wednesday addressed the concerns of six local residents regarding the company's plans for a new auto-parts salvage area.

The salvage area would be on Bryant's property west of Danville.

99-year-old Georgetown flower business prepares for end

DANVILLE – All it took was a handshake and Roy Lake Burgoyne had himself a flower shop.

No contract, no bill of sale, just a verbal agreement and a handshake.

That was Oct. 25, 1909.

Now, less than a year shy of its centennial birthday, the closure of Burgoyne's Floral and Greenhouses, located at 804 N. Main St., Georgetown, is imminent.

All it took was an economic downturn.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Illinois delegation hopeful about FutureGen's chances

WASHINGTON – Illinois lawmakers say they're feeling hopeful about the prospect of building FutureGen in Mattoon after a meeting Wednesday morning with President-Elect Barack Obama's nominee for energy secretary.

The Illinois delegation, including U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, and Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, met with Steven Chu to bring him up to date about the clean-coal research power plant. The nominee was open to hearing about FutureGen, Durbin said in a conference call Wednesday afternoon.

Champaign demolition on hold at insurer's instruction

CHAMPAIGN – Hopes that demolition could begin soon on a fire-damaged building downtown appear to have been dashed this week.

State Auto Insurance Cos. of Columbus, Ohio, the insurer for the former Metropolitan Building that was destroyed in the Nov. 7 fire, have instructed their clients not to allow the fire site to be used as a demolition-staging area for an adjacent building, at 215 N. Neil St., that was structurally damaged in the fire.

Workshop offered on rules for selling food at farm stands

CHAMPAIGN – Farmers interested in selling food products on their farms, at farmers' markets or elsewhere can learn how to meet county, state and federal regulations affecting their products at an upcoming workshop in Champaign.

The University of Illinois Extension and The Land Connection will host a food-rules workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the UI Extension office, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, C.

Local Americall center will close by March 6

CHAMPAIGN – Americall Group has informed the state it will close its call center in Champaign by March 6, affecting 74 workers.

The call center has been in business for nearly 12 years, having operated in downtown Champaign before moving to its current location at 103 S. Country Fair Drive in 2003.

After nearly 100 years, flower shop business to close

DANVILLE – A nearly century-old floral business will be closing its doors soon.

International Greenhouse Company announced today that it will shutter its flower shop business, Burgoynes Floral and Greenhouses, at 804 N. Main St., Georgetown.

Danville's Bryant Industries will try again for expansion

DANVILLE – In October, neighborhood complaints derailed a new auto-parts salvage area at Bryant Industries, west of Danville, even though the project received almost full support from the city's planning and zoning commission.

Since then, Bryant Industries has tried to address neighbors' concerns over the project, which requires a special-use permit from the city.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

UI flash index: Economy shrinking for first time since March '04

URBANA – The University of Illinois flash economic index has fallen below 100 – the dividing line between economic expansion and contraction – for the first time in nearly five years.

The index, considered a barometer of the Illinois economy, dropped from 100 in November to 98.7 in December, a UI news release stated.

Sullivan nursing home makes job cuts

SULLIVAN – It was New Year's Eve, and as the last hours of 2008 ticked away, the phone rang in the homes of several employees of the Mason Point nursing home in Sullivan.

Brenda Rambo wasn't home for the call. But when she got home, she had a message from interim Administrator Renee Bogard telling her they needed to talk before Rambo returned to her housekeeping job.

Supportive living facility in Monticello holds open house

MONTICELLO – LaVern Gerth lived happily for nine years in a Decatur retirement home, but when she needed a wheelchair, she had to find someplace else to live.

Last month she became the first resident in Piatt County's new supportive living facility, Maple Point, which is located on the north side Monticello, near the Piatt County Nursing Home and Kirby Hospital.

Tax abatements for Monsanto discussed

FARMER CITY – Blue Ridge school district board members voted Monday to allow Superintendent Jay Harnack to start discussions with officials of Monsanto's plant in Farmer City on the topic of enterprise zone abatement.

Joan Steckel, senior tax manager, and Pat Geneser, site manager from the Monsanto Co.'s Farmer City plant, presented a proposal to board members. Steckel and Geneser wanted board members to vote to grant 100 percent property tax abatement to Monsanto for a five-year period.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Champaign businesses feeling heat after Neil Street closure

CHAMPAIGN – The closure of North Neil Street in downtown Champaign nearly two months ago led to less-than-robust Christmas sales for some nearby retailers.

Meanwhile, city officials say they still don't know when Neil Street can be reopened.

The street was closed just south of the intersection with Main and Church streets on Nov. 10 because of concerns about the structural integrity of the three-story building at 215 N. Neil St. that was heavily damaged in a Nov. 7 fire.

Bad economic times, good gold prices turn pawns into kings

At Gold Rush II in Champaign, the store's name has been prescient. With gold prices on a relative upswing – listed at $877 an ounce midday Friday, according to the New York Mercantile Exchange – people have been selling or getting loans on gold.

For co-owner Don Crowder, that's been true at the shop at 41 E. Main St. He's found more people are trading in their gold – often in the form of necklaces and rings – for cash.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Local options can help those laid off get back on their feet

When Heatcraft management announced the Danville branch's closing, Ben Gabbard felt heartsick. Four months before the notice, he had led union negotiations, getting a three-year contract for the nearly 300 union employees.

Too soon after, the 21-year employee and longtime negotiator for United Auto Workers Local 1271 had to help negotiate another contract – for a layoff package, including benefits for nonunion employees at the company.

Champaign man opens drug-testing facility in Indianapolis

CHAMPAIGN – After a career as a regional research manager for Eli Lilly & Co., Champaign resident Mike Smiricky considered himself "too young to retire."

So Smiricky, who retired from Lilly four years ago, went back into business. In league with another former Lilly employee, William McGinnis, he opened a clinical research facility in Indianapolis last year.

It's Your Business: Champaign to get new sandwich shop

A new sandwich shop will open in downtown Champaign later this winter.

To be called Fatboys Philly Shack, it will be located at 202 S. Neil St., in the small building where Neil Street splits off to Walnut Street.

Rantoul chamber's new director carries a positive outlook

Last fall, Rantoul resident Chris Kaler became the executive director of the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce. Recently, News-Gazette staff writer Tim Mitchell sat down with Kaler at his office to talk about his career and the future of the chamber.

Q: Did you grow up here in Rantoul?

A: Yes, just about every longtime resident knows my family. My grandfather, Sig Kaler, was the postmaster here in Rantoul, and my dad, Jack Kaler, was a rural mail carrier in the Gifford area for 40 years. He used to love Christmas because all the farmers would give him homemade bread and rolls. My mom grew up in Thomasboro, and she worked the Mid-Continent telephone company in the dispatch area.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Champaign parking deck scheduled to open in March

CHAMPAIGN – In about two months, downtown Champaign will have another 600 parking spaces.

A six-floor parking deck at the corner of Hill and Randolph streets is scheduled to open on March 2. Built by the city at a cost of $10.6 million, the parking deck will provide both hourly and permit parking.

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Publication for Koreans hits stands

CHAMPAIGN – While some newspapers are struggling for survival, a new one is starting in Champaign-Urbana.

Joohyun Kang of Champaign has begun publishing the CU Korean Times, a biweekly newspaper with both Korean and English editions.

The newspaper, which covers news of interest to Champaign-Urbana's Korean community, is available not only online at www.cukoreantimes.com, but also in print at many locations around town.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Private firm taking over Sullivan nursing home

SULLIVAN – After 105 years, Illinois Masons have sold the former Illinois Masonic Home east of Sullivan to a private nursing home firm.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Fraud attempt puts freeze on some Busey accounts

URBANA – Busey Bank hopes to reactivate its business customers' debit cards once it determines it's safe to do so, bank President Lee O'Neill said this morning.

The bank deactivated the debit cards Friday – essentially freezing or stopping access to accounts – after an attempted case of fraud in some accounts over the Christmas holiday, he said. Only business debit-card holders were affected by the deactivation, and "a very small percentage of those customers" had fraudulent activity in their accounts, O'Neill said. None of the bank's personal customers was affected by the deactivation.

Programs for kids help fill gap until classes restart

Drive through the University of Illinois campus, and it's easy to think of Champaign-Urbana as a ghost town.

But though schools are closed, many businesses are open, leaving the parents who work at those businesses with a challenge: What to do with the kids?

Monday, December 29, 2008

Web is where it's at for these twin brothers at UI

CHAMPAIGN – Ryan and Ashton Clark spend a lot of time churning out ideas for Web-based businesses.

In the past seven years, the 20-year-old twin brothers – both juniors at the University of Illinois – have formed more than a dozen such ventures, with products ranging from online music to sports apparel to parking-place reservations.

Area banks participating in U.S. Treasury program

Most – but not all – of the larger banks serving East Central Illinois have elected to take part in the U.S. Treasury's Capital Purchase Program.

The parent companies of Chase, Regions Bank, First Midwest Bank and Old National Bank have already sold preferred stock with warrants to the Treasury Department.

Hoopeston man comes up with idea for car safety device

HOOPESTON – Rick Payne has developed a safety tool that he hopes no one will ever have to use.

He is also hoping success in sales and distribution will bring production jobs to the Hoopeston area.

Payne's Breakout Safety Tool is designed to cut seat belts and break out windows, in the case of an extreme emergency, for a passenger to be able to get out of a vehicle.

Danville officials ponder a 'pay before you pump' ordinance

DANVILLE – Jasmine Lohr always pays for her gas before she pumps.

"I think it's smarter, because then you won't go over the amount of money you have," said Lohr as she put gas in her vehicle at the BP Station at the corner of Gilbert and North streets in Danville.

Officials with the city plan to talk with local gas station owners to determine if there is interest in an ordinance that would require all gas stations in the city to have pay-first pumps.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cities' tax receipts starting to drop during recession

As the recession worsens, Champaign and Urbana are beginning to feel the pinch of declining sales tax and state income tax payments, while Danville is managing to hold its own on sales taxes.

Champaign and Urbana recently received sales tax receipts for September – when the stock market and nation's economy went into free fall – and they show a small decline compared with a year ago. There is a three-month lag between when the consumer pays sales taxes and when the state pays those taxes to a city.

Barbecue, ale on tap at former Urbana bar

Like barbecue? If so, downtown Urbana may soon have a place for you.

Mike Cochran and Pedro Heller plan to open the Black Dog Smoke & Ale House in the former Tod & John's tavern space at 201 N. Broadway Ave.

Biz Quiz 2008: A look back at the year in business

Test your memory with our annual 20 questions about the ups and downs in local business, starting with a recent blow to the local economy.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Eastern Prairie will take over emergency coverage at Plastipak

CHAMPAIGN – Starting Jan. 1, the Eastern Prairie Fire Protection District will provide fire and limited emergency medical coverage for the Plastipak Packaging Inc. plant in unincorporated Champaign.

A one-year contract between the company, which employs about 700 people, and the fire protection district was signed recently, according to Fire Chief Michael Kobel.

Local session of regional conference will be Jan. 7

URBANA – Crop production, farm economics and pest management will be the major themes of the 2009 University of Illinois Corn and Soybean Classic.

Six regional conferences are planned throughout the state during January, including one to be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., C.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Area man's love of sports inspires new venture - building courts

CHAMPAIGN – Jon Fisher's new business is building basketball courts, and the former Unity High School basketball player feels he has found his sweet spot.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Local shops have plenty to offer for holiday procrastinators

Local food is trendy. Why not local gifts? They're greener, as they aren't transported over long distances, and the purchase of them helps support local artisans and artists, thus the local economy.

So if you're in need of last- minute holiday gifts, head to these places today or Wednesday to check out the hand-crafted wares. Better call first, though; some shops will shorten their hours on Christmas Eve:

Monday, December 22, 2008

Champaign council seeks to ease rules on electronic signs

CHAMPAIGN – When First Federal Savings Bank bought a new electronic sign several months ago, it was with the idea of letting the public know about the bank's different products, or to post occasional pro-Illini messages.

"It gives us a chance to share our message with the community," said George Rouse, president of the bank, whose main office – and the new sign – is at 1311 S. Neil St.

But First Federal and three other businesses on South Neil Street – McDonald's, Walgreens and Culver's – were dismayed to learn this summer that the city's zoning ordinance allows on-premise electronic signs to change their image or message only once every 15 minutes.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Danville's unemployment rate tops 10 percent in November

Danville's unemployment rate jumped to more than 10 percent in November, the Illinois Department of Employment Security reported.

The city's rate rose from 9.5 percent in October to 10.4 percent last month. A year earlier, the November unemployment rate stood at just 6.9 percent.

Great Impasta to reopen in former Milo's location in February

URBANA – The Great Impasta, set to serve its last meal in downtown Champaign on New Year's Eve, will reopen at the end of January at Urbana's Lincoln Square Village.

Owner Harold Allston said he'll be moving the 25-year-old Great Impasta into the space formerly occupied by Milo's Restaurant, which moved to southeast Urbana.

Paxton man's dual stairway wins DeWalt carpentry contest

PAXTON – Stan Foster of Paxton has won DeWalt's Top Finish Carpenter Award after a dual stairway he built was chosen the top project in a competition that attracted more than 150 entrants.

As a result, Foster will receive $34,272 in prizes, including a table saw, air compressor, speed-belt sander and planer, plus Carharrtt clothing and tickets and pit passes to a NASCAR race.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Demolition of law office awaits insurer's approval

CHAMPAIGN – The city has filed a lawsuit seeking the repair or demolition of 215 N. Neil St., which was damaged by a Nov. 7 downtown fire.

Meanwhile, one of the owners of the building, attorney Richard Joy, said this week his firm has obtained bids from demolition companies and hired a general contractor to oversee the demolition process, but is still awaiting the final go-ahead from its insurer.

Hobbico cutting 37 positions

CHAMPAIGN – Hobbico is cutting 37 full- and part-time positions in Champaign as a result of the economic downturn.

The distributor of radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters and other hobby products confirmed the cuts Thursday and said it's reducing seasonal help as well.

The company, based at 1608 Interstate Drive, C, employs about 650 people. It's the world's largest wholesale and retail distributor of radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, boats, cars and accessories as well as general hobby products.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Tri Star Marketing donating former headquarters to Urbana

URBANA – Tri Star Marketing's chairman is donating the company's former headquarters at 1301 E. Washington St. to the city.

City officials said they aren't sure yet how they will use the 10,000-square-foot building, currently vacant, and the nearly two acres it sits on. But they said it's a great deal for Urbana.

Prospect Bank opening with familiar faces

President, four of his colleagues all worked at Chase, its predecessors before moving on

CHAMPAIGN – If you walk into the newly opened Prospect Bank office at Prospect and Kirby avenues, expect to see faces you may have seen at Chase Bank and its predecessors.

First Busey executive mixed on Rantoul's economic picture

RANTOUL – An area banker painted a mixed portrait of Rantoul's economy Wednesday.

On the plus side, retail sales are growing, the value of taxable property is on the rise and agricultural production increased this year in the Rantoul area, according to Ed Scharlau, vice chairman of First Busey Corp.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Judge accepts Carle settlement on state antitrust lawsuit

URBANA – Champaign County Judge Richard Klaus on Wednesday afternoon accepted a settlement agreement allowing Carle Clinic to exit an antitrust lawsuit filed last year by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

"I think it is a good and maybe even elegant solution to the problem," Klaus said, thanking both Carle Clinic and the state for negotiating in good faith.

Danville woman gets good start on modeling at Finish Line

DANVILLE – When Whitney Fox and her family were doing a little shopping at Champaign's Market Place Mall last month, the young Danville woman was amazed to be confronted by her own image in an athletic apparel store window.

The Danville Area Community College sophomore knew the store promotion was coming out, but didn't know when.

JELD-WEN window manufacturing company plans layoffs

RANTOUL – One of Rantoul's largest employers will soon be laying off a fifth of its employees.

Workers at the JELD-WEN window-manufacturing plant at the Rantoul Industrial Park will be told formally on Thursday that the company is planning an approximate 20 percent reduction in force, according to Terri D. Cline, director of corporate communications.

Central Illinois Bank's parent company negotiating possible sale

CHAMPAIGN – Central Illinois Bank's parent company, CIB Marine Bancshares, is negotiating a possible merger or business combination with another Midwest bank holding company, CIB Marine disclosed recently.

CIB Marine, which has been battling mounting losses the last few years, said it's also negotiating with holders of its trust-preferred securities to see whether it can arrange restructuring or forgiveness of interest and principal associated with the securities.

Urbana merchants plan magical anniversary celebration

URBANA – The city of Urbana will continue its 175th birthday celebration with the holiday event "Magic on Main Street" on Sunday at various locations in downtown Urbana.

The events will take place from 1 to 6 p.m., with many downtown merchants extending their hours until 6 that day to accommodate last- minute Christmas shoppers. On-street metered parking and metered parking in select lots – including the Urbana Free Library's – will be free.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Former Park Inn now the Hanford Inn & Suites

URBANA – The former Park Inn in Urbana has a new name: the Hanford Inn & Suites.

Owner Charles Jia said he closed on the purchase of the hotel Nov. 14 and is planning renovations to both the interior and exterior. Those renovations include eventually converting a courtyard to an enclosed water park with water slides and games.

Seven area banks downgraded by rating service

CHAMPAIGN – Seven area banks have been downgraded by the BauerFinancial bank rating service, based on data filed with regulators for the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

One of the banks, Champaign-based Strategic Capital Bank, was downgraded from a 1-star ("troubled") rating to zero stars, BauerFinancial's lowest rating. In August, state and federal regulators moved to bar the bank from increasing its assets, required it to increase its capital and prohibited it from accepting or renewing brokered deposits.

Loss of city funding spells trouble for Renaissance Danville

DANVILLE – Renaissance Danville board members are uncertain about the future of the downtown neighborhood revitalization organization, now that the city is cutting its primary source of revenue.

Some Renaissance board members, like Steve Rodman, are hopeful the nonprofit organization can survive in some form.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Danville withdraws funding for Renaissance program

DANVILLE - The future of the Renaissance Danville program is in doubt, now that the city will be cutting its funding for the remainder of this year and all of next year.

Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer said in an e-mail Monday afternoon that the money the city is receiving through the telecommunications tax is not meeting revenue projections, so the city must reduce its expenditures within that fund.

Rantoul officials awaiting word on joining foreign trade zone

RANTOUL – Rantoul is one of two Illinois communities that could become foreign trade zones by March.

Rantoul Economic Development Director Robert Bruce said the federal commerce and treasury departments are scheduled to decide between now and March whether to approve the establishment of subzones in Rantoul and Galesburg as part of the Peoria-based Foreign Trade Zone 114.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

It's Your Business: Garcia's to return to Campustown in March

Garcia's Pizza-in-a-Pan, which closed its longtime and final Campustown store location last month, should have a new campus-area shop up and running in a few months.

Co-owner Ralph Senn says a new location (to be disclosed soon, he promises) has been lined up and will open in early March.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Tickets given for underage drinking

CHAMPAIGN – Police issued more than 20 tickets to people for under-age drinking in a Campus/Tap bar check over the weekend.

Champaign police officers and state troopers jointly conducted the bar check Dec. 6, resulting in 22 citations at licensed liquor businesses for possession or purchase of alcohol by a minor 18 to 20 years old.

Loan-guarantee deal would help Urbana preservation group

URBANA – The city council will consider Monday a proposal to have the city provide up to $85,000 in mortgage down-payment guarantees for a nonprofit group that wants to rehab and resell older homes in west Urbana.

If approved, the loan-guarantee agreement would allow the Urbana Development Group, a community development corporation, to obtain bank loans to buy homes without any down payment.

Friday, December 12, 2008

ACH: Future of plant was uncertain after deal with ADM

CHAMPAIGN – ACH Food Companies made it clear more than a month ago that the future of its Champaign plant was uncertain, according to a company official in Memphis.

The uncertainty ended Thursday, after two employee meetings were held to announce that the plant will close in six to nine months as a result of a new joint venture ACH Foods announced in October with Archer Daniels Midland.

The closure of the Champaign plant will put 250 out of work, with 200 of those employees represented by Teamsters Local 26.

Employee praying for jobs to be saved after word of ACH closing

CHAMPAIGN – When Paul Hayes took a union job with plenty of overtime 31 years ago, he thought he was set, even though A.C. HumKo had its ups and downs, "like being married."

The ups and downs included layoffs and restructurings as a former shortening company grew into an edible oil giant in a corporate family. The plant also makes coffee creamers.

FutureGen Alliance buys land for plant near Mattoon

CHAMPAIGN – The FutureGen Alliance bought more than 400 acres of land Thursday to build the world's first clean coal-powered plant.

Officials plan to announce the move, along with results from a new geology test, at 10:30 a.m. today at Mattoon Schools Administrative Center.

Liquor deliveries spark concern from Champaign officials

CHAMPAIGN – Ever drink a few beers at home on a Friday night, crave a sandwich and, well, maybe a few more beers, but you know it's not a good idea to get behind the wheel?

Fat Sandwich Co. in Campustown has come up with what its owners think is the perfect solution: home delivery of sandwiches, beer and hard liquor, not to mention cigarettes and cigars.

Panera Bread will return to Campustown next year

CHAMPAIGN – Panera Bread Company will return to Campustown with a new restaurant set to open late next spring at 616 E. Green St., C.

Panera, which operates two other restaurants in Champaign, will take 4,000 square feet at the Technology Plaza building, most of the space formerly occupied by the Mettler Center, according to Jill Guth, director of development for the property owner, JSM Development.

Charges against man include attempted arson

URBANA – A Blue Mound man is due back in court next month after being charged with trying to burn down his ex-girlfriend's mother's business.

Matthew Schwass, 26, was arraigned Thursday in Champaign County Circuit Court on attempted arson, possession of a stolen vehicle, and burglary, all stemming from activity on Aug. 18 at Door Specialty, 1216 Parkland Court, C, owned by Linda Peters.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

ACH closing; former HumKo plant to halt operations in '09

CHAMPAIGN – Employees of the ACH Food Companies plant in Champaign were told this morning the plant will close in six to nine months, according to a high-ranking official of Teamsters Local 26.

"I was totally shocked. They've been in negotiations with us. We're working on a contract extension," said the local's president, Pat Gleason.

Geek Squad helps kids learn about computers

CHAMPAIGN – Edison Middle School students were working, bent over tables filled with computer parts, after school Wednesday.

They were installing motherboards and power supplies and adding video cards and CD drives with the help of members of the Geek Squad, who troubleshoot and repair computers.

Provena Covenant Medical Center makes upgrades with patients in mind

URBANA – It may never be fun to go to the hospital, but a Provena Covenant Medical Center Foundation official says there's no reason it can't be more pleasant.

With that in mind, the foundation has paid for nearly $1 million in recent improvements at Covenant, and is working to raise $1 million more for other upgrades, according to Dave Selzer, vice president of development and mission at Covenant.

Local GM retirees are uncertain about their future

 

TILTON – It's too early to tell what's going to happen to former workers at Tilton's General Motors Central Foundry plant, according to a local union official.

Ed Barney is president of United Auto Workers Local 579 and still a General Motors employee. His job is working with retirees and others receiving health care and pension benefits through the company. He's seen a lot, but is expecting more.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Danville YMCA holding registration for youth, adult classes

DANVILLE – The Danville Family YMCA is holding open registration for both youth and adult program classes.

Classes for the winter session begin Jan. 5, 2009, and are seven weeks long.

Police warn: new wrinkle in credit card theft has hit town

URBANA – Three Chicago men are accused of using illegally altered credit cards, and a local investigator warns that the high-tech crime is a growing threat.

Arraigned Wednesday on charges of possession of altered credit cards were Sherrell Wayne, 31; Shaun Johnson, 29; and MiquelTharpe, 31, all of Chicago. Tharp also is charged with two counts of burglary and Wayne faces one burglary count. The burglary charges allege Tharpe and Wayne entered businesses with intent to commit felonies.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Prosecutor, detective give advice on dealing with bad checks

CHAMPAIGN – Merchants can lose their holiday cheer quite quickly if they aren't careful.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and Champaign police Detective Pat Kelly warned members of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce on Monday that they need to take steps to protect themselves from bad-check writers.

Menards' decision to delay Urbana store not a surprise

URBANA – Menards won't build a new home improvement store in Urbana next year.

City officials were told about the decision in recent weeks, and company spokesman Jeff Abbott confirmed it publicly.

"We have slowed the process (of development)," Abbott said. "We're going to build a store there, but we just don't know when."

Recession expected to help trim heating costs

One upside of global recession: Factories aren't using as much natural gas, so your December heating bill will be lower than once forecast.

Only two months ago, the prediction for natural gas prices was up 40 percent from last winter.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Expansion in the cards as Human Kinetics keeps developing

CHAMPAIGN – Human Kinetics has hired architect Robert Kapolnek to design an expansion to its headquarters on North Market Street.

But no target date for construction has been set, pending receipt of design plans and a closer look at the economy, according to Chief Executive Officer Brian Holding.

It's Your Business: Economy among factors in closing of Kafe K

Natalie Peterson says she doesn't want to blame the economy.

But when supply prices are going up, the economy is in a slump and folks are being advised to save a few bucks by making their own coffee and packing their own lunches, there's going to be an impact on mom-and-pop businesses like Kafe K.

From lodge to luxury: New owner hoping to convert Jefferson Building to apartments

CHAMPAIGN – If Robert Grossman has his way, Champaign's old Masonic Temple could be divided up for luxury apartments.

The four-level building on the northwest corner of Hill and Randolph streets dates to 1914. For its first 52 years, it served as the home of Western Star Lodge No. 240.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Dealership undeterred by economy in buying Ford franchise

CHAMPAIGN – Worden-Martin's plan to buy the local Ford franchise stemmed from a desire to offer all three Ford Motor Co. brands at a single dealership, Worden-Martin President Charles Shapland said.

Carle Clinic antitrust deal limited to Champaign County

URBANA – The terms of a tentative agreement that would end an antitrust action against Carle Clinic don't extend beyond Champaign County, according to the Illinois attorney general's office.

Part of that agreement requires Carle Clinic – which operates facilities in five East Central Illinois counties – to boost primary care services to 2,850 more needy patients covered by the state's Medicaid program.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Worden-Martin to buy Ford of Champaign franchise

CHAMPAIGN – Worden-Martin plans to buy the Ford of Champaign franchise this month, pending approval from Ford Motor Co., the Champaign dealership announced today.

Under the plan, Ford's sales and service departments would be integrated into Worden-Martin's Lincoln-Mercury store at 300 Carriage Center Court in Champaign. That would bring all three Ford Motor Co. brands – Ford, Lincoln and Mercury – under one roof.

Champaign pushes for decision on fire-damaged site

CHAMPAIGN – The city has given notice of its intent to go to court, if necessary, to force the repair or demolition of a fire-damaged building at 215 N. Neil St. and the adjacent former Metropolitan Building, which was destroyed in a Nov. 7 blaze.

East Central Illinois jobless rates up from '07

CHAMPAIGN – October unemployment rates in East Central Illinois were generally at least 2 percentage points higher than they were a year ago, according to the state Depart- ment of Employment Security.

Champaign County had a 6.3 percent unemployment rate in October, compared with a 4.2 percent rate a year earlier.

Bloomington company faces possible OSHA fine

CHAMPAIGN – A Bloomington excavating company faces a possible $247,000 fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a result of alleged federal safety violations in Champaign and Peoria.

Stark Excavating is accused of failing to provide cave-in protections and placing excavated material too close to the excavat- ion site, in connection with work done in Champaign in July.

Schlitz makes a comeback

CHAMPAIGN – Miss Schlitz? Its old formula – or one close to it – is back.

"The beer that made Milwaukee famous" is being reintroduced in central Illinois with a launch party at 9 p.m. today at the Rose Bowl tavern in Urbana. The parties resume Dec. 12 with a 6 p.m. launch at Bunny's tavern in Urbana and a 7 p.m. laun- ch at the Philo Tavern in Philo.

Why the sudden price bump at the gas pump?

Consumers getting used to gas prices going down, down, down after months of up, up, up had an unpleasant surprise this week.

At several stations Tuesday, the cheapest grade of gas went up, from $1.59 to $1.79, in a matter of minutes, even though the price of oil went down that day.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

City takes step toward forcing action at downtown fire site

CHAMPAIGN – The city has given the owners of a fire-damaged building at 215 N. Neil St. and the owners of the former Metropolitan Building, which was destroyed in a Nov. 7 blaze, notices of the city's intent to go to court, if necessary, to force repair or demolition of the sites.

City officials said the notices, mailed Wednesday, give the city the right to go to court to seek demolition or repair orders after a period of 15 days.

Committee announces Festival of Trees winners in Danville

DANVILLE – The Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation and the 2008 Festival of Trees committee recently announced this year's winning entries. Winners are listed by their theme, designer and sponsor:

Arthur selected as one of 9 hosts for 2009 Illinois Dairy Days

ARTHUR – A state program highlighting Illinois' dairy industry is coming to Arthur.

Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist, announced Wednesday that Arthur has been selected as one of nine communities that will host 2009's Illinois Dairy Days.

Danville Gardens to stop offering poinsettias after this year

DANVILLE – For 15 years, a sea of colorful poinsettias has filled greenhouses during the fall and early winter at Danville Gardens.

Vermilion County Speedway switching races to Saturdays

DANVILLE – A new promoter based in Greencastle, Ind., will be running the Vermilion County Speedway next year and plans to move race nights to Saturdays.

"We're going to shake things up," said Joe Spiker, 33, of Spiker Promotions, who recently signed a two-year lease with the Vermilion County Fair board, which owns the track and fairgrounds but doesn't run the speedway.

Ag conservation to be focus of free breakfast at Parkland

CHAMPAIGN – Area farmers can learn about ag conservation practices at a free breakfast next week at Parkland College.

The Illnois Stewardship Alliance is hosting a conservation stewardship breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Wed., Dec. 10 at the Tony Noel Agricultural Technology Center at Parkland College.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

UI Extension offering primer for nonfarmers online

Area residents who know little or nothing about farming can get a crash course in agriculture through an online class being produced by the University of Illinois Extension.

The class, called "Agronomy 101 for Landowners," targets landowners who do not have a farming background, according to instructor Dennis Bowman, a UI Extension crops system educator.

Illinois Terminal proposal dead

CHAMPAIGN – An upset U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson, saying he's unhappy about not being consulted by city and mass-transit officials, has come out strongly against a proposed expansion of Illinois Terminal to accommodate a "park-and-ride" child care facility.

And that opposition will likely kill the tentative project, which was dependent on $2.3 million in federal funding that Johnson's office had helped to secure.

Ag economist promotes peer advisory groups for farmers

URBANA – Some independent family farmers are turning to peer advisory groups to help their farming operations to thrive in today's uncertain economy, according to an ag economist.

Danny Klinefelter, a professor of ag economics at Texas A&M University, said independent farmers need the advice and support of fellow farmers to stay on the cutting edge of financial success in an era of rapid changes in the farm economy.

86-room Comfort Suites on its way up in Urbana

URBANA – Construction is under way on an 86-room Comfort Suites hotel in north Urbana, just off of Lincoln Avenue, that is expected to open this August.

The hotel will be located just east of the existing Holiday Inn and south of the Speedway gas station on the west side of Lincoln Avenue, near Interstate 74.

Danville Boys & Girls Club presenting free budgeting seminar

DANVILLE – The Boys & Girls Club in Danville is partnering with Western-Southern Financial Group to present a free budgeting seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the club, 850 N. Griffin St.

The seminar will cover setting up personal financial goals and plans, creating and following a budget, understanding your current financial picture and planning for the future.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Wind turbine ordinance going on display in Vermilion County

DANVILLE – After the newly elected members were sworn in and Jim McMahon was re-elected chairman Monday night, the Vermilion County board voted Monday night to put a proposed wind turbine ordinance on display for public review and comment.

The Wind Energy Structure Ordinance would establish a process in which local officials would grant permits for the placement and construction of energy-generating turbines.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Video Game Gift Guide, Part One: Achieving console clarity

Video games – and video game consoles – are a great gift for the holidays, but the many choices on the market can make buying them a little confusing for the uninitiated.

In Part One of The News-Gazette's Video Game Gift Guide, we'll look at the ins and outs of the major systems – and the basic accessories you need to buy as well.

Web site offers comprehensive look at apartments for rent

CHAMPAIGN – Kevin Chang has developed a new way to find apartments on the Web, using University of Illinois research into how to conduct "deeper" Web searches.

The result is Cazoodle, a Web site that provides comprehensive listings of apartments in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas – including Champaign-Urbana.

Longtime neighborhood bar on the market

CHAMPAIGN – Fallon's Ice House, a neighborhood tavern that's been in business for 17 years, is for sale.

"I'm ready to get out of it," said Glenda Fallon, who co-owns the bar with her husband Tim. "It'll be 18 years in April, and I'm ready to see my grandkids in Richmond, Virginia."

Sunday, November 30, 2008

It's Your Business: Retailers spread word that downtown Champaign still open

Hey holiday shoppers: The downtown Champaign retailers clustered on a section of North Neil Street that was closed after a Nov. 7 fire have a message for you.

WE'RE OPEN!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Broken water main closes northbound lane of Prospect

CHAMPAIGN – A water main break has closed a lane of northbound traffic on Prospect Avenue near White Street.

The main break was discovered Friday morning and an Illinois American Water crew was expected to have the main fixed by early afternoon, said Barry Suits, operations manager for the water company.

Shoppers hit the pavement early to snag bargains

CHAMPAIGN – It was cold and dark out there.

The late night turkey and pie snacks were barely digested.

Nonprofit agencies find it tough to meet growing needs

Like most economic news of the day, the statistics are gloomy.

A 59 percent increase in people served by area food pantries, and a 20 percent drop in national food supplies. Nearly 270 school-age children homeless in Champaign County, even as day-care centers report vacancies because families can't afford to pay. More than 100 homeless women turned away from a local shelter, with demand up 50 percent over a year ago.

Even as the economy worsens, driving more families into crisis, nonprofit agencies find themselves unable to meet the need.

Economic woes put Carle expansion on back burner

URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital says it will slow down its $236 million expansion project because of the downturn in the economy.

"The Carle Foundation and Carle Clinic are financially sound organizations. They are simply taking a conservative approach to financing the building project and believe it is in their best interest to wait until the financing environment improves," the hospital announced in a written statement.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Plastipak Packaging won't get Bondville's fire protection

CHAMPAIGN – The Bondville Fire Corp. has notified Plastipak Packaging Inc. that it will no longer provide fire protection services for its unincorporated Champaign plant as of Jan. 1.

As this point, Plastipak does not have replacement coverage lined up, according to city officials.

City officials have approached the company, which employs about 700 people locally, about the possibility of annexing the plant at 3310 W. Springfield Ave. and providing fire coverage, but have not yet gotten a response, said Craig Rost, deputy city manager for development.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Champaign County Salvation Army strikes gold for fifth year in a row

CHAMPAIGN – For the fifth year in a row, the Champaign County Salvation Army fished something special from a donation kettle.

A donor pushed an Austrian 4 ducat gold coin into the slot in the kettle stationed at the County Market on Kirby Avenue and Duncan Road on Monday, sometime between noon and 8 p.m., said Kettle and Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Hall. The coin is valued at $335.

Old National Bancorp to buy 65 Charter One branches

DANVILLE – Old National Bancorp, which has offices in Danville and Tilton, has agreed to acquire 65 Charter One branches in Indiana from Citizens Financial Group of Providence, R.I.

The acquisition gives Evansville, Ind.-based Old National the third largest branch network in Indiana. It's the largest bank based in Indiana.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Group urges shoppers to watch out for unsafe toys

CHAMPAIGN – A consumer watchdog group has a message for all would-be Santas this year: Buyer beware.

Hazardous toys still remain on store shelves across the country despite new laws to protect children and overhaul the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Illinois Public Interest Research Group says.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Carle Clinic lays off 21 employees to cut expenses

URBANA – Carle Clinic laid off 21 employees Monday, citing a need to cut staff expenses.

The affected employees were primarily in "manager-level" and support-service positions, according to a statement from the clinic. No employees providing hands-on patient care were affected, the statement added.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

News-Gazette owner turning dividends into charitable help

CHAMPAIGN – The foundation that owns The News-Gazette Inc. has begun making charitable contributions of dividends paid out by the newspaper.

The Marajen Stevick Foundation has distributed $190,000 to the University of Illinois Foundation for journalism-related projects and set aside an additional $50,000 for a potential project on campus.

Panel had busy year working out new foundation's basics

CHAMPAIGN – Members of the Marajen Stevick Foundation's governance committee say they've had a busy year hammering out basics of the new foundation.

Greg Cozad said members spent the initial months learning how a "Type 1 Supporting Organization" such as the Stevick Foundation works in conjunction with supported foundations – in this case, the University of Illinois Foundation and the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois.

Community Foundation looking for ways to help with its share

CHAMPAIGN – The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is entertaining ideas about the best ways to spend $205,000.

That's how much the foundation has been given by the Marajen Stevick Foundation to improve the lives of seniors, promote reading and writing in the schools and improve the appearance of Champaign-Urbana.

It's Your Business: Chicken, fish to star at new restaurant

A new carryout restaurant called Big JJ Fish & Chicken will open in the former location of Seaboat at 1114 N. Market St., C.

The owner, Hisham "John" Rosoul, looks for it to open before the end of the month.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Champaign-based real estate firm growing in Florida

CHAMPAIGN – The Florida real estate market may seem bleak, given falling home prices and rising foreclosures. But Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty senses opportunity there.

The Champaign-based real estate company on Friday announced it has acquired the assets of the Coldwell Banker residential affiliate in Jacksonville, Fla.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Paxton concrete plant to close until business improves

PAXTON – High Concrete Group LLC has announced it will close its Paxton facility in January, and 85 percent of the plant's 70-plus employees will lose their jobs.

The company says "customer demand will determine" how long the plant stays closed.

Need surgery? Carle Clinic will need a down payment first

URBANA – Whether it's your aching knee or your tonsils about to go under the knife, you may not see the surgeon these days unless your wallet appears first.

Carle Clinic has joined a growing number of physician groups now requiring patients to pay a deposit in advance of all non-emergency surgeries.

The policy, which excludes obstetrics and gynecology procedures, went into effect earlier this month, and so far, a clinic official said, most patients haven't complained.

Provena Health names new chief executive

MOKENA — Provena Health, the parent company of Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana and Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville, has a new chief executive for the second time in less than two years.

The new president and CEO of the Catholic health care system, Guy Wiebking, replaces Steven Hunter, who was appointed president and CEO in April 2007.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Danville biofuels plant starting production process today

DANVILLE – After two years of construction, the new biodiesel facility adjacent to Bunge Milling in downtown Danville goes operational today and should start producing the first batch of biodiesel next month.

Urbana Business Association recruiting survey respondents

URBANA – The Urbana Business Association wants to bump up the response to its online survey before the survey period ends Friday.

The association is asking all Urbana residents and business owners – regardless of whether they're association members – to take part in the survey, located at www.ubasurvey.net.

Urbana Business Association seeking more survey respondents

URBANA – The Urbana Business Association wants to bump up the response to its online survey before the survey period ends Friday.

The association is asking all Urbana residents and business owners – regardless of whether they're association members – to take part in the survey, located at www.ubasurvey.net.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Champaign-based firm gets $10,000 in Innovate Illinois contest

CHICAGO – Judges liked the concept of Champaign-based Kim Laboratories so much they awarded the company a $10,000 runner-up prize in the Innovate Illinois entrepreneurial competition.

The company, which is developing testing kits for diagnosing norovirus, came in second Tuesday in the category for later-stage companies.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Salt Fork deer business thrives, but not all neighbors thrilled

ST. JOSEPH – A thriving deer-butchering operation on the Salt Fork River has been rezoned from family business to "major rural specialty business" after hearings that addressed some neighbors' complaints about odors.

River Bend Wild Game and Sausage Co., 1161 County Road 2400E, was started by a University of Illinois meat science worker, Charles Stites, as a family business.

Urban League's closure won't affect power-bill help in Rantoul

RANTOUL – Low-income residents in this city will still be able to get help paying utility bills after the closure of the Urban League of Champaign County.

Last week, the organization closed its doors after 45 years of service to the area.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Hazards from fire close section of Neil Street

CHAMPAIGN – A section of Neil Street is being closed due to possible hazards from a fire that destroyed one building and damaged others Nov. 7.

Champaign fire officials announced Monday that the closure was to be completed Monday afternoon.

Engineers take another look at shared wall

CHAMPAIGN – A fire truck was once again at the scene of downtown's Metropolitan Building Sunday, but only for a structural check.

Engineers hired by the law firm Dobbins Fraker Tennant Joy & Perlstein re-inspected the shared wall between the firm and the Metropolitan Building, which was destroyed in a Nov. 7 fire. The law firm's three-story building at 215 N. Neil St. was heavily damaged in the fire.

Community leaders mourn Urban League's shuttering

CHAMPAIGN – Community members black and white Sunday mourned the demise of the Urban League of Champaign County, which closed last week after 45 years.

"It's a sad day for the community, not only for the African-American community, but the white community as well," said former Urbana Alderman Lonnie Clark. "It's a much-needed organization in Champaign-Urbana and the entire county. I think it's going to be terribly missed. I hope that it's not dead forever."

The league shut its doors Friday on the heels of mounting financial problems, state and federal investigations, and new audits questioning its ability to continue as a "going concern." The agency had debt totaling $850,000 and a $1 million annual budget.

Salvation Army toy drive aiming for 5,000 items by Dec. 12

CHAMPAIGN – Local organizations hope to brighten the holidays for needy children and teens by collecting 5,000 toys and gifts in less than a month. But they're going to need a lot of help from local donors to reach that goal, which is 600 more toys than were donated in Champaign-Urbana last year.

The toy drive for The Salvation Army, sponsored by Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Clinic and WDWS-AM and WHMS-FM radio stations, got under way today.

Eco-friendly Green Mill Village near Arcola gets under way

ARCOLA – A soybean field east of Arcola is being transformed by construction crews into an environmentally friendly resort and tourist attraction.

The developers of Green Mill Village, a partnership between Sullivan-based Agri-Fab and Bob McElwee of Charleston, say the 63.5-acre resort, hotel and conference center will cement Arcola's position as a tourist destination, especially for families from the Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis areas.

Hoopeston Public Library planning entrepreneurial seminars

HOOPESTON – Hoopeston Public Library Director Lou Graham wanted to supplement economic development efforts in this city.

Graham decided to apply for an Illinois State Library Grant. The money comes through the secretary of state's office from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

It's Your Business: A new twist for Vrinios' holiday tradition

It's nearly candy-cane-making time for Pete Vrinios and his family, and they plan to carry on their 110-year-old tradition in downtown Champaign for the holiday season.

You can see Vrinios candy canes made step by step in the front windows of Jim Gould Restaurant at Neil and Main streets, starting the first weekend in December. Kids can even hook their own candy canes, Vrinios said.

Olympic medalist, UI coach to be featured at Rantoul banquet

RANTOUL – Justin Spring of Champaign, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist on the U.S. men's gymnastics team and assistant gymnastics coach at the University of Illinois, will be the featured speaker at this year's Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

Spring, a UI graduate, will discuss the obstacles he overcame to help the U.S. team to a third-place finish at Beijing.

UI researchers using genetic relationships to track evolution

URBANA – The latest computer technology has buttressed a revolutionary look at how life evolved, while offering new potential for medicines.

Carl Woese startled the scientific world in 1977 by positing that there are three essential domains, or types of life. Before, there were thought to be two, bacteria and everything else: eukaryotes, whose cells contain membrane-coated parts, such as the nucleus.

2 Champaign firms headed for finals in business competition

CHAMPAIGN – Two Champaign-based businesses will be among 12 companies vying for top prizes of $40,000 in the Innovate Illinois business competition Tuesday in Chicago.

Representatives of Autonomic Materials Inc. and Kim Laboratories will make presentations to a panel of judges in hopes of taking honors in the early-stage and later-stage categories, respectively.

Business lets pet owners turn their friend into a 'dog person'

SADORUS – Kirby and Cindy Pringle introduced "dog people" to children's literature when they began their "Happy Tails" series five years ago.

The Pringles, who live near Sadorus, have published two books, "Earl and Pearl on The Farm" and "The Call of Nature." Both feature the adventures of Earl and Pearl, dogs that dress and behave very much as people do.

Ex-professionals rejuvenated by second career in teaching

"Why do I have to learn this stuff?"

If Lauren Heckelman hears that during the math class she teaches at B.T. Washington Elementary School in Champaign, she can tell students about how she used math in her prior job as an accountant.

When John Parks teaches how to write resumes in his business classes at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, he can refer to decades of working in business and hiring people.

The two teachers are part of the growing ranks of second-career educators, people who either started or completed jobs in other fields before they came to teaching.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Solo Cup Co. posts its first loss in five quarters

HIGHLAND PARK – Solo Cup Co. this week reported a net loss of $4.6 million in the third quarter after five straight quarters of profitability.

The Highland Park-based company, which has a manufacturing facility in Urbana, had operating income of $13.5 million in the third quarter, but that wasn't enough to offset a net interest expense of $14.7 million, plus losses on the foreign currency exchange.

Campustown Dunkin' Donuts to open on Dec. 15

CHAMPAIGN – Another Dunkin' Donuts shop will open in Champaign next month, in the heart of Campustown.

Local Dunkin' Donuts franchisee Sunil Modi said the new shop will open Dec. 15 at 607 E. Green St.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Universities now paying for ethics training program

A new ethics training program will be developed for University of Illinois employees, but at a cost to the university.

The Office of the Executive Inspector General, the state agency that oversees ethics training for tens of thousands of state employees, has asked the state's public universities to handle ethics training for the universities beginning in 2009.

Burnham 310 opens first six floors for tenants

CHAMPAIGN – Tuesday was Move-in Day: the Sequel, for University of Illinois sophomore Jessica Sturdy.

A tenant at the Burnham 310 development, Sturdy moved into her one-bedroom apartment after several months of temporary lodging at a Savoy apartment complex. She's happy finally to be there, but "it's kind of been a nightmare," said her mother, Teresa Sturdy.

Initially scheduled to open in August, then Oct. 31, the 18-story Burnham high-rise opened its first six floors this week. The city recently approved a partial occupancy permit for those floors, said Garry Bowman, Champaign's building safety supervisor.

County Market aims for March opening at Burnham 310

CHAMPAIGN – The County Market store going up next to the Burnham 310 development is slated to open by next March.

Gerry Kettler, spokesman for Niemann Foods, said the company initially hoped to open the 30,000-square-foot store by August, but delays on the Burnham project put the grocery store behind as well, he said. The store shares a wall with the high-rise's parking garage.

Green Street to get another high-rise

CHAMPAIGN – A new 11-story high-rise apartment building is likely going up on East Green Street.

Campus Property Management is planning to build a 112-unit apartment building at 201 E. Green St., with ground-floor commercial space and, below the ground floor, a fitness center, according to project architect Josh Daly of Henneman Engineering of Champaign.

Holiday sales projections are worsening

CHAMPAIGN – The outlook for retail spending this holiday season is getting worse, the president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association said.

A month ago, the association was projecting a 1.9 percent increase in holiday sales. But David Vite said Thursday the projection has since been revised to zero.

Vermilion County considers establishing wind farm rules

DANVILLE – Vermilion County economic development officials are in talks with at least four companies interested in building wind-turbine farms in Vermilion County.

The county has no zoning system, but county board officials are taking steps to regulate the construction and operation of the alternative-energy farms by writing an ordinance.

"It's a safeguard for the landowners and the windmill companies," said Vicki Haugen, president and CEO of Vermilion Advantage. She added that multiple companies that make the wind turbines are considering the county as a possible location for a manufacturing site.

Area employers discuss how not to get hired

CHAMPAIGN – When Sue Malenius was asked about the worst job interview she had conducted, it wasn't just bad, it was scary bad.

Malenius, the director of KinderCare Learning Center in Champaign, said a job applicant arrived 15 minutes late with holes in her jeans, a spaghetti strap and a chain that connected a nose piercing to an earring.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Chanute agency told Air Force pulling out of project

RANTOUL – The Air Force is likely pulling out of a proposed joint project with the village to improve drainage in south Rantoul and to backfill an excavation area.

As a result, the cost of developing land by the Rantoul airport for new industries has gone up – by as much as $600,000.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Ford County Board gives final clearance for wind farm

PAXTON – Ford County's first wind farm project has gained final approval for construction of 96 wind turbines in Rogers Township, the county's northernmost township.

Ford County Board members approved an application by K4 Wind Farm LLC for a special-use permit on Monday. The company, which has spent more than two years in the planning stages, previously gained approval from both the county's zoning and plan commissions.

Rezoning for ex-Pepsin site approved in Monticello

MONTICELLO – The city council is hoping a new zoning label will help create redevelopment interest in the former Pepsin property.

In a 6-0 vote, the council approved the rezoning of the Pepsin site from industrial zoning to a business zone. Council member Tim Hayes abstained. The property is located two blocks east of the downtown square. It is the former location of Sterling Drug Inc.

Villa Grove council will again pursue city sales tax

VILLA GROVE – After the defeat of the proposed Douglas County emergency services tax, the Villa Grove City Council is once again pursuing a 1 percent city sales tax to help fund emergency services in the city.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

SmartSpark announces selection of new president, CEO

CHAMPAIGN – SmartSpark Energy Systems has a new president and chief executive officer.

Ron Van Dell has been named to that position, the Champaign-based company announced Monday. Van Dell was most recently president and chief executive officer of Primarion, a mixed-signal integrated-circuit company based in Torrance, Calif.

Krispy Kreme expanding distribution network in C-U

CHAMPAIGN – Krispy Kreme Doughnuts plans to expand its distribution network in the Champaign-Urbana area before deciding whether to open a store here, representatives of the area franchise say.

The chain plans to begin making daily doughnut deliveries next Monday to 14 area Super Pantry convenience stores, said Tim Axarides, director of sales and distribution for Hot Light Brands, which has the Krispy Kreme franchise for Chicago, St. Louis and central Illinois.

Belgium board prepares to hear proposal to open tavern

BELGIUM – The Belgium village board will hear tonight from a man who wants to reopen the Top Hat nightclub as a tavern.

Belgium Mayor Mitchell Valangeon said he understands that Carl Edwards wants to reopen the currently vacant building on Georgetown Road as a tavern but nothing more than that. Edwards could not be reached for comment.

The village board holds its regular meeting at 6:30 tonight at 20 Orlea St. in Belgium and expects to hear about what Edwards has in mind.

UI agricultural economist says prices reflect possible recession

CHAMPAIGN – Just as the rise of ethanol prices helped to fuel increased income for farmers over the past two years, a University of Illinois economist said the recent drop in ethanol prices may be leading to an agricultural recession that has already cut the prices of crops in half.

UI Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics Scott Irwin said his studies indicate that the fortunes of farmers are now more closely connected to the prices paid at the gas pumps than to changes in prices paid at the grocery stores.

Monday, November 10, 2008

American Legion launches Web site to explain new GI Bill

INDIANAPOLIS – The American Legion has launched a new Web site to help veterans and their families understand the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, and how it compares with other federal education benefits for veterans.

The site, www.mygibill.org, includes explanations of the different GI Bill benefits, news alerts and updates, frequently asked questions, state-by-state benefits and online application opportunities.

Provena planning workshops for bereaved near holidays

Worried about coping with the holiday season because you're mourning the death of a loved one?

The Provena Hospice Center for Grief, Loss and Hope says it can help.

The organization is offering two free workshops in Champaign and Westville to help provide holiday coping skills for those feeling overwhelmed and saddened by a loss.

Being 'science-y' pays for Uni High senior in competition

Richard Wang skipped school Friday.

But it was OK, he said. The University Laboratory High School student's teachers knew where he was – at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., competing as one of 15 regional finalists in a science competition with a $100,000 scholarship as its national prize.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

It's Your Business: New downtown store focuses on ecology

B. Lime, a new store in downtown Champaign focusing on earth-friendly living, is now open.

And, true to the theme of recycle/reuse, owners Wendi and Bart Lindsay chose to place their store in a newly redeveloped building at 12 E. Washington St., at the corner of Hickory and Washington streets.

Feeling the Pinch: Backyard bounty can lower grocery bills

CHAMPAIGN – In tough economic times, a garden harvest can help a family get through the winter.

On the east side of Champaign, 79-year-old homemaker Nina Sibley estimates she saves more than $300 a year by freezing vegetables grown in her gardens.

Season of hope: Retail consultant thinks holiday sales will increase

Despite some predictions that holiday sales will drop this year, a Chicago retail consultant predicts they'll rise 1.7 percent.

That's less than last year's 2.2 percent increase or the long-term average of 4 percent, said John Melaniphy III, executive vice president of Melaniphy & Associates.

Five businesses looking to grow

Panelists outlined expansion plans for five companies at an International Council of Shopping Centers program last week.

Here's what Jimmy John's, CVS, Busey Bank, Aldi and Verizon Wireless are planning.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Fire-ravaged site's co-owner: 'I would love to rebuild'

CHAMPAIGN – One of the co-owners of the building destroyed by fire early Friday said he hopes to rebuild on the downtown site.

Jeff Mellander was painstakingly renovating and redeveloping the 1870s-era building – which has been called variously the Metropolitan Building and the Bailey-Rugg building – with his partners, Bob Ballsrud and George Grubb.

Now the building is in ruins, and an adjacent building at 215 N. Neil St. that houses the Dobbins Fraker Tennant Joy & Perlstein law firm is heavily damaged on its third floor.

Downtown Champaign suffered a similar blow 21 years ago

CHAMPAIGN – "Big fire, big water." That's what the current Champaign fire chief, Doug Forsman, says about putting out Friday's fire downtown.

Twenty-one years ago, on Dec. 27, 1987, the date of the last big downtown fire, it was the same thing, big water, recalls the chief at that time – Doug Forsman.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Roads open, cleanup finished at site of downtown fire

CHAMPAIGN —  Neil and Main streets were reopened just after 8:30 p.m. Friday following an early morning fire. No injuries were reported.

Church Street, however, will remain closed between Randolph and Neil streets as a fire crew mans the site overnight.

The Metropolitan Building, located at the southwest corner of Church and Neil streets, was consumed by fire shortly after 5 a.m. Friday and was a total loss. The building, built in the 1870s, was undergoing an extensive renovation.

Metropolitan owners shocked over loss of 'jewel'

The owners of the Metropolitan Building had put their "heart and soul" into the renovation that was just months from completion, until the building collapsed today.

Bob Ballsrud, who owns the building with George Grubb and Jeff Mellander, said he learned of the fire by phone at about 6:10 a.m.

One Main worker becomes firefighter

CHAMPAIGN – Tim Kauffman was one of the heroes of this morning's downtown fire.

Kauffman is an assistant building and operations employee at One Main, across the street from the Metropolitan Building that was destroyed by fire this morning.

Danville panel agrees to leave some zoning alone

DANVILLE – The planning and zoning commission agreed Thursday with the wishes of two residents who asked that the current zoning of their properties remain the same, even though city officials recommended a change in the overhaul of the city's zoning ordinance.

Farmers, firefighters work to save grain from blaze

THOMASBORO – Nearly 30 firefighters spent more than eight hours Thursday saving thousands of bushels of corn from a fire after a dryer unit malfunctioned in a grain bin.

Thomasboro firefighters were called out at 1:30 p.m. to 1473 County Road 2500 North, where a grain bin owned by Ehler Brothers was on fire.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Danville school board delays decision on ex-Walgreens site

DANVILLE – The Danville school board voted Wednesday to postpone a decision on whether to accept the donation of the old Walgreens Accounting building for four months to allow a yet-to-be-formed committee a chance to develop a specific plan for how the building would be used.

"I think it will play a prominent role no matter what we do" with it, said board member Bill Dobbles, who favors accepting the property "with a plan."

Realtor training firm's CEO added to Danville Wall of Fame

DANVILLE – Nina Cottrell never got a college education.

But she had smarts, an "extraordinary" work ethic and a drive to succeed, which took her from a secretary to chief executive officer of the largest nonprofit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, her older brother said.

"She's an example of what you can do if you put your mind to it," said Wilbert A. Cottrell, who nominated his sister for Danville High School's Wall of Fame.

On Wednesday, Nina Cottrell was announced as this year's inductee. Cottrell was selected by a committee representing a cross-section of the community, including two high school students.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Village laments plans to close car dealership

RANTOUL – Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams said the community is "still reeling" from Tuesday's announcement that Rogers in Rantoul will close by year's end.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

WCIA to air UI College of Law show on 'Economy in Crisis'

The University of Illinois College of Law is partnering with WCIA Channel 3 to broadcast a live one-hour broadcast called "Economy in Crisis: A Local Look" on Wednesday.

The show will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and broadcast from the Max L. Rowe Auditorium at the College of Law, 504 E. Pennsylvania Ave., C, in front of an audience.

Rogers in Rantoul to close by end of year

RANTOUL – Longtime auto dealer Rogers in Rantoul will close by the end of this year, with some of its staff likely to be transferred to dealerships in Champaign, Savoy and Tilton, its owner said today.

Charlie Shapland, the dealer principal for Rogers in Rantoul, said the market area was "not able to sustain the margins and the volume needed to consistently maintain profitability."

UI flash index shows state economy flirting with contraction

URBANA – University of Illinois economist J. Fred Giertz has grim words about the state's economic prospects.

Giertz, who compiles the monthly UI flash economic index, said the index fell to 100.6 in October, the lowest reading since 100.5 in August 2004.

Sports Publishing LLC releases details about bankruptcy

CHAMPAIGN – Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is listed among dozens of creditors of Sports Publishing LLC, the Champaign-based company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.

The company, which filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy Oct. 15 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Central District of Illinois, submitted further information last week outlining its situation.

UI alumnus describes new vehicle venture in Cozad lecture

CHAMPAIGN – After 35 years of working for huge corporations, University of Illinois alumnus Mark Hogan is trying his hand at managing a startup.

He's the president and chief executive officer of The Vehicle Production Group, a company that's planning to design and market taxis for the mobility-impaired.

Danville school board mixed on taking ex-Walgreens property

DANVILLE – Greg Hilleary doesn't doubt that the old Walgreens Accounting building could make a good school. It's structurally sound, sits in a good location and was offered as a donation this spring.

"I think it's a good opportunity," said Hilleary, a Danville school board member. "My only concern is as of today, I'm not sure we know what we want to do with it. We've talked about several things, but there's no definitive plan that's ready to go. And I don't think we should spend any money on it until we have that."

Crystal Lake neighborhood plan sent back for more discussion

URBANA – The city council on Monday sent a proposed Crystal Lake neighborhood plan back to the committee of the whole for further consideration after a Carle Foundation Hospital official objected to proposed wording about replacement housing in the plan.

The delay will give aldermen more time to consider whether wording in the plan should "encourage" or "require" Carle to support one-to-one replacement housing when its medical campus expands into the Crystal Lake neighborhood. Mayor Laurel Prussing wants to require it; Carle officials favor the "encourage" wording, which they worked out previously with city planning staff.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Catholic group eyeing former Sager Campus for senior living

DANVILLE – For 70 years, Hubert Doan, 91, has lived on Bryan Avenue across the street from what was once St. Elizabeth Hospital, later became Provena United Samaritan Medical Center's Sager Campus and is now a grassy, empty lot.

Like other Rabbittown residents, Doan is happy to hear that Mercy Housing, a nonprofit organization sponsored by Catholic Sisters, is considering the former hospital property as the site for a new senior-citizen housing complex.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

It's Your Business: Urbana farmers' market gets ready to heat up

The farmers' market at Urbana's Lincoln Square Village will move indoors for the holiday season, starting Nov. 15.

And it will have more merchants than last year's holiday market, according to Susan Toalson, Urbana Business Association executive director.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Economics prof puts current crisis into perspective

CHAMPAIGN – America, I don't know if you remember Recession. It's been almost eight years since you last met, and I'd like to reacquaint you, just in case you meet again.

That, in short, is what University of Illinois economics Professor Anne Villamil did for about 75 people as she discussed America's economic climate Friday at a University YMCA forum.

Friday, October 31, 2008

UI students pitch ideas for next big business

URBANA – The next YouTube may have been born on Thursday night.

In a business version of speed dating, nearly a dozen University of Illinois students weighed in with their ideas for the next big business. Possibilities ranged from a music networking site to a travel agency for Americans to get medical care in other countries.

Christmas Food Basket, Toys For Tots sign-ups set

DANVILLE – The Salvation Army will hold sign-ups for both its Christmas Food Basket program and the Toys For Tots program, shared with the Marine Corps League, from Nov. 3 through 26 at its facility, 855 E. Fairchild St.

Signup times are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, except Nov. 11, when the Salvation Army facility will be closed for Veterans Day.

Power blitz for assistance with bills set for Saturday

DANVILLE – East Central Illinois Community Action Agency will conduct a power blitz between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the David S. Palmer Arena, 100 W. Main St.

The event offers income-eligible customers one-time payment assistance with their power bill.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Students simulate trials, tribulations of adult finances

DANVILLE – Jayci Nichols was feeling the pinch.

She spent most of her monthly income – $1,811 after taxes – on day care, utilities, groceries, a truck payment and a new winter coat for her daughter. But she still had to pay for housing, insurance and other expenses.

"This is stressful," Nichols said, frowning at her checkbook balance of $375. "I'm going to have to get a second job."

Champaign County chamber not taking side on sales tax for schools

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce won't support or oppose the school sales-tax proposal on Tuesday's ballot.

In a statement to its members, chamber officials said the decision was made because its membership is "clearly divided" on how to pay for school-facilities needs, and many were undecided on the issue.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

ZF Boge sued by UAW over closure of facility in Paris

URBANA – The United Auto Workers have filed suit against auto supplier ZF Boge, claiming the company's decision to close its Paris manufacturing plant is a breach of contract.

"We had a very straightforward agreement with the company," said Gary Abernathy, bargaining chairman for UAW Local 2343, in a news release. "If they agreed to keep our plant open, we would modify our contract."

Sales at Pages of All Ages to benefit local ensemble

SAVOY – Through Sunday, supporters of the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, better known as BACH, can support the ensemble by making purchases at Pages for All Ages bookstore in Savoy.

Pages for All Ages will donate 15 percent of each purchase to BACH when the buyer mentions the ensemble at checkout. This donation applies to both online and in-store purchases. A news release from BACH suggests that supporters start their Christmas shopping early while supporting BACH at the same time.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

ADM, ACH announce joint venture

CHAMPAIGN – The ACH Food Companies plant in Champaign will be affected by the Memphis, Tenn.-based company's decision to form a joint venture with Decatur-based Archer Daniels Midland.

State Universities Retirement System's director stepping down

The head of the State Universities Retirement System will be leaving by the end of the year.

Dan Slack, who has been the association's executive director since 2005, has accepted a job to be chief executive officer of the Colorado Fire and Police Pension Association.

Monday, October 27, 2008

UI study-abroad students learning to reduce carbon footprint

PHILO – The Vienna Woods it isn't, but Jim Evans' walnut grove gave participants in the Austria Illinois Exchange Program a lesson in conservation.

Seven students and two University of Illinois faculty members pedaled bikes from campus to the Evans' home near Philo on Sunday to get ideas of how to make Champaign-Urbana a greener place.

Altrusa donating products to Developmental Services Center

CHAMPAIGN – The Developmental Services Center today was expecting two truckloads of cleaning products from Altrusa International of Champaign-Urbana.

Altrusa, a service organization of business and professional leaders, collected some $2,000 worth of things like detergent and anti-bacterial wipes for the center as part of Make A Difference Day.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Wolfram Research founder projects further growth

CHAMPAIGN – While some companies scale back, Wolfram Research continues to swell in what founder Stephen Wolfram calls a "rapid expansion phase."

"We've added 24 new people in the last two months," Wolfram said on a visit to Champaign last week. "We're hiring lots of technical research-and-development people and adding strengths in business and marketing."

It's Your Business: Danville kids' shop reopens temporarily

Remember Kid Konnection, the children's clothing store in Danville that closed a couple of years ago?

Owner Nanci Latinovich has reopened it, temporarily, to sell out her inventory while she also tries to sell the store buildings – two gray houses.

Area business wins new car in planetarium raffle benefit

CHAMPAIGN – Central Illinois Manufacturing in Bement won a 2009 Saturn Sky on Friday night as part of a raffle by the Parkland College Foundation.

The event raised $45,900 to help pay for a new digital video system at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium.

Paxton resident hears, answers call for wild animals

PAXTON – Ken Walker lives in a two-story house on Paxton's east side and keeps two cats and a dog as pets.

But his online business offers a pair of white rhinos or tiger cubs, and about 30 kinds of other unusual animals.

Walker is an exotic animal broker, a middleman between the people who want to sell exotic animals and those who want to buy them. Almost none of the animals come through Paxton.

Be forewarned: Exotic animals need special care, owners

When it comes to the sale of exotic animals, opinions abound.

Some people will tell you keeping exotic animals in captivity is just plain wrong. Others will say people have the right to choose whichever pets they please.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Local County Markets are going green

QUINCY – Niemann Foods, the owner of local County Market stores, is giving a whole new meaning to the term greengrocer.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Neighbors of new Meijer in Urbana complain about noise

URBANA – Megan Repking is a graduate student in veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois. She spends a lot of time studying and she needs her sleep.

But Repking and other neighbors in the 1700 block of Lydia Court in southeast Urbana, part of the Ridge at Stone Creek subdivision, say they are having a hard time getting that sleep since the new Meijer store opened nearby earlier this month.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Busey CEO tells of merger plans for Illinois, Florida subsidiaries

URBANA – First Busey Corp. plans to consolidate its Illinois and Florida banking subsidiaries, the Urbana-based company revealed this week as it reported third-quarter earnings.

"It makes sense for us from a strategy standpoint and a cost standpoint to merge our banks into one bank," First Busey President and Chief Executive Officer Van Dukeman said. "The resulting bank will be larger and, we believe, more efficient due to the lack of duplicate costs and processes."

New Mathematica version coming soon

CHAMPAIGN – Wolfram Research founder Stephen Wolfram plans to announce today that a new version of the company's flagship product, Mathematica, will be released this fall.

Wolfram, in town for the annual International Mathematica User Conference, said Mathematica 7 will have about 2,700 functions, or roughly 500 more than the previous version.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Former workers'-comp group official: State hunting out fraud

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois is taking a more aggressive approach to pursuing workers'-compensation fraud, the former chairman of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission said.

Dennis Ruth, who resigned this month to prepare to become a judge in Madison County, said the state investigated 102 cases of possible fraud last year, with 58 of those complaints referred to state's attorneys for prosecution.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Prof, son reveal keys to happiness

CHAMPAIGN – Money isn't everything, but according to happiness expert Ed Diener, it certainly is something.

"Our research shows money is, in fact, related to happiness," Diener told about 200 people attending a Busey Wealth Management seminar Monday in Champaign.

National experts to discuss energy policy at UI event

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois will bring three national experts together to discuss the challenges of crafting energy policies in light of the nation's economic crisis and the threats of global climate changes at the sixth annual Craig S. Bazzani Lecture in Public Affairs on Wednesday.

The free event begins at 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Beckman Institute, 400 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Get to know the manager of Common Ground Food Co-op

13 things to know about Jacqueline Hannah, general manager of the Common Ground Food Co-op in Urbana

1. Today is her birthday. She turned 35.

2. She's a working mother, married to Michael Hannah, a stay-at-home dad who cares for their nearly 2-year-old son, Eli. They live in east Urbana.

Most area credit unions report profits in second quarter of 2008

CHAMPAIGN – There was a slight increase in the number of area credit unions reporting losses during the second quarter of 2008, according to statistics filed with federal regulators.

Of 34 credit unions in East Central Illinois, seven reported losses during the second quarter, compared with five during the first quarter.

It's Your Business: Christian shop open; coffee bar in plans

Gina Myrick first started a Christian bookstore at her church, and now she's in business at a retail store of her own called Gathering Place Christian Bookstore at 308 N. First St., C.

Myrick said she is selling Christian books, gift items and greeting cards and also plans to have a small coffee bar.

Next step for county courthouse project: Waiting for funding

URBANA – Urbana and Champaign County are embarking on a public art program together, taking baby steps.

In this case it's not the controversial Giant Lincoln Head proposed by a distinguished local artist, Frank Gallo, but something more modest and functional.

In August 2007, French artist Frederic Beaugeard, who lives in Urbana, won a competition for a "Downtown Newspaper Rack Project, which entails designing a newspaper rack structure to be located in front of the Champaign County Courthouse on Main Street in downtown Urbana," as the city described it.

Beaugeard, 40, was educated at Paris' top art school and has exhibited in France, Egypt, South Korea, Slovakia, Sweden and Kuwait. His design, called "Urbanastand," incorporates both functional news racks and an etched-glass background featuring famous news stories from The News-Gazette and the Urbana Courier, which printed its last edition in 1979.

The city's Web site notes "This project is still in the design stage. Look for the installation of this multifunctional piece in the fall of 2008."

As the fall days tick away, though, nothing has gone further than paper on the project. It could take a couple of years, or more, for "Urbana-stand" to be constructed just west of the courthouse entrance, says Anna Hochhalter, Urbana's public arts coordinator.

Credit Union 1 happy with private insurance

RANTOUL – With $516 million in assets, Credit Union 1 is easily the largest credit union based in East Central Illinois. It's also the only one whose deposits are insured by a private company, rather than by the National Credit Union Administration, the federal agency that insures many credit unions.

But Paul Simons, president and chief executive officer of the Rantoul-based credit union, said there's been no clamor from members to switch to NCUA coverage.

Champaign firm has grown to full-scale cabinetry shop

CHAMPAIGN – A couple years ago, Gary Hentges' home-based business was doing award-winning kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in Champaign-Urbana.

Now the business has expanded to a full-scale cabinet production shop, making cabinetry for apartment complexes in several cities as well as handling custom remodeling projects in suburban Chicago.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Appeals court upholds judge's decision on Salt Fork

SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois Appellate Court ruling in favor of St. Joseph-area landowners could have an effect on drainage districts statewide.

Last December, Judge Holly Clemons denied a request by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District to raise the annual tax levy permanently from $1.15 to $5 an acre for landowners. She allowed a one-year increase for the district to pay consultants, Midwest Streams Inc., to study the best way to maintain the flow of the river, then for any actions to adjust its course.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Architects discuss design of UI Business Instructional Facility

Native Argentinian and University of Illinois alumnus Cesar Pelli is the architect behind the new Business Instructional Facility, a $64 million building at the corner of Sixth Street and Gregory Drive in Champaign.

Considered one of the campus's first "green" buildings, the Business Instructional Facility features a literal green roof, complete with plants, solar panels to provide energy to the building and sophisticated lighting and air-handling systems. And its design features, such as floating staircases and a commons area lit naturally by four stories of windows, has turned a few heads.

UI forum participants think capitalism in fragile condition

CHAMPAIGN – In a room full of people enthusiastic about free markets, entrepreneurship and economic growth, the topic was a surprisingly somber one: Can capitalism survive?

Three weeks of turmoil in the financial markets led Carl Schramm, the so-called "evangelist of entrepreneurship," and a panel of University of Illinois professors to discuss on Thursday what Schramm called "the fragile condition of capitalism" and what can be done to save it from "what is likely to be a fatal reaction."

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Miller's Dry Goods near Arthur offers treasure in every aisle

ARTHUR – Rosemary Scott wanders the narrow aisles of Miller's Dry Goods as if trolling for buried treasure.

What the part-time Floridian seeks in this little shop may be on that top shelf, between the hundreds of bolts of f